Engine starting system

ABSTRACT

A vehicle engine starting system providing solenoid-operated positive engagement of the starting pinion with the ring gear on the engine flywheel before the starting motor is energized and inertia-operated disengagement of the pinion when the engine begins to overrun the starting motor. The system has an electrical lockout which positively prevents reengagement of the pinion as long as the engine ignition switch remains closed.

United States Patent Donald A. Ciolli [72] Inventor Cleveland, Ohio [2]]Appl. No 774,962

[22] Filed Nov. 12, 1968 [45] Patented July 20, I971 [73] AssigneeVictoreen Leece Neville, Inc.

Cleveland, Ohio [54] ENGINE STARTING SYSTEM 26 Claims, 2 Drawing Figs.

[52] U.S.Cl ..l23/179 BG, 74/6, 290/37 [51] Int. Cl ..F02n 17/00, F02n 11/08 [50] Field of Search 74/6, 7; 123/179 A, 179 B, 1791;290/37-40 [56]References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,705,291 3/1955 Loehr 123/1791,307,177 6/1919 Bijur 74/6 1,773,913 8/1930 Loehr et a1. 123/17932,429,388 10/1947 Buxton 290/38 3,053,243 9/1962 Domann v 1 123/179 B3,163,769 12/1964 Keuchen et a1, 290/38 3,264,484 8/1966 Keuchen v.290/38 3,407,306 10/1968 Huntzinger 290/38 3,443,112 5/1969 Huntzinger290/38 Primary ExaminerMark M. Newman Assistant ExaminerRonald B. CoxAtt0rneyYount, Flynn & Tarolli ABSTRACT: A vehicle engine startingsystem providing solenoid-operated positive engagement of the startingpinion with the ring gear on the engine flywheel before the startingmotor is energized and inertia-operated disengagement of the pinion whenthe engine begins to overrun the starting motor. The system has anelectrical lockout which positively prevents reengagement of the pinionas long as the engine ignition switch remains closed.

VEHICL5 LOAD AND ENG/N' IGNITION "13/ C/RC U! 7' PATENTEU JUL 20 19?:

VEH/CLE LOAD AND L ENG/N5 IGN/ TION 3/.

CIRCUIT FIGZ IN VENTOR. DONALD A. C/OLL/ ATTOR/VYS ENC INE STARTINGSYSTEM This invention relates to an engine starting system, particularlyfor the engine of an automotive vehicle.

Various engine starting systems, particularly for automotive vehicles,have been used which employ a starting motor con- Y nected to drive apinion which is to mesh with a ring gear con- Another principal type ofsuch starting systems employs an inertia-type drive for both bringingthe starter motor-driven pinion into engagement with theengine-connected ring gear and disengaging them when the engine beginsto overrun the starting motor. Because the starting motor is energizedbefore engagement of the pinion, this system has the disadvantage thatthe pinion may be rotating relatively fast when it is brought intoengagement with the ring gear because of a delay in the inertia-operatedmovement of the pinion toward engagement due to dirt or other foreignmatter in the inertiaoperated drive. As a result, damage to the pinionand ring gear teeth or failure to bring the pinion into meshingengagement with the ring gear may occur.

A principal object of the present invention is to provide a novel andimproved engine starting system which avoids these disadvantages bycombining electrically operated positive engagement of the pinion beforethe starting motor is energized, inertia-operated disengagement of thepinion once the vehicle engine begins to overrun the starting motor, andpositive lockout of the pinion after it has been disengaged.

Another object of this invention is to provide such an engine startingsystem in which the inertia-operated disengagement of the startingmotor-driven pinion causes the starting motor and the solenoid to bedeenergized automatically.

Another object of this invention is to provide an engine starting systemhaving an electrical control circuit with a novel and improved lockoutfor positively preventing reengagement of the pinion as long as theignition switch for the vehicle engine remains closed.

Further objects and advantages of this invention will be apparent fromthe following detailed description of a presently preferred embodimentthereof, with reference to the accompanying drawing in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates schematically in longitudinal section the mechanicalportion of the present starting system; and

FIG. 2 is a schematic electrical circuit diagram of the control circuitin the present engine starting system.

Referring to FIG. 1, the present engine starter comprises a rotary,longitudinally splined, axially-fixed shaft which is driven by thestarting motor M in FIG. 2, and a drive pinion 11 which is adapted to bedriven from shaft 10 as explained hereinafter. The drive pinion 11 isshiftable axiallyof the shaft 10 into and out of meshing engagement withthe usual ring gear 12 on the flywheel of the vehicle engine.

The drive pinion 11 is splined to the outside of an annularpinion-carrier 13 which surrounds the starting motor-driven shaft 10.The splined connection of the pinion 11 to the pinion carrier has aslight spiral twist or pitch which causes the pinion to turn on thepinion carrier when one moves axially with respect to the other, inorder to facilitate the meshing engagement of the pinion with the ringgear 12.

At its left end in FIG. 1 the pinion carrier has a reduced diameterportion 13a on which are mounted an annular thrust plate 14 and aflanged sleeve 15. The sleeve 15 is held in place on the reduced endportion 13a of the pinion carrier by a snap ring 16. The thrust plate 14is engaged snugly between the inner end of sleeve 15 and an annular,radially disposed shoulder 13b on the pinion carrier. A coil spring 17is engaged under compression between the thrust plate 14 and the drivepinion l1, urging the pinion to the right along the pinion carrier 13for engagement with a snap ring 18 carried by the pinion carrier. Thisspring yields if the pinion is initially brought into abuttingengagement with the ring gear 12 and then, after the pinion has turnedon the pinion carrier enough to clear this abutting engagement, thespring forces the pinion into meshing engagement with the ring gear.

The sleeve 15 is connected through a suitable linkage, designatedschematically by the dashed line 19, to the reciprocating armature 20 ofa solenoid 21- provided with a conventional return spring (not shown)which normally maintains the armature 21 in an extended position (to theright in FIG. 1). The arrangement is such that, when the solenoid 21 isdeenergized and its armature 20 is in its extended position, the unitaryassembly of sleeve 15, plate 14, pinion carrier 13 and pinion 11 isretracted to the left along shaft 10 from the position shown in FIG. 1to a position in which the flanged left end of sleeve 15 abuts against abrake washer 29 located in front of a wall portion 28a of the stationaryhousing for this mechanism. When solenoid 21 is energized to retract itsarmature 20, the unitary assembly of sleeve 15, plate 14, pinion carrier13 and pinion 11 is shifted to the right along shaft 10 to the FIG. 1position, in which the pinion meshes with the engine-driven ring gear12.

A drive sleeve 22 is engaged between the shaft 10 and the pinion carrier13. This drive sleeve is splined to the shaft 10 for movement axiallyalong the shaft and is in screw-threaded engagement with the pinioncarrier by virtue of external Acme threads 23 on the drive sleeveengaging complementary internal screw threads 24 on the pinion carrier.At the left end of its screw threads 24 in FIG. 1 the pinion carrierpresents a radially disposed, annular internal shoulder 25 which limitsthe movement of the drive sleeve 22 to the left. with respect to thepinion carrier.

A disengagement sleeve 26, which rotatably receives the splined shaft10, extends into pinion carrier 13 to provide a limit stop for themovement of the drive sleeve 22 to the right. This disengagement sleevehas its right end abutting against a flanged bushing 27 mounted inanother wall portion 28b of the housing.

In the operation of this mechanism, to start the vehicle engine, thedriver closes a start switch (34 in FIG. 2) to energize the solenoid 21,as described hereinafter, which then shifts the pinion carrier 13,pinion 11 and drive sleeve 22 to the right along shaft 10 to theposition shown in FIG. 1, in which the pinion meshes with the ring gear12 connected to the vehicle engine. At this time the drive sleeve 22 ispositioned along the pinion carrier 13 as shown in FIG. 1, abuttingagainst the stop shoulder 25 on the pinion carrier and spaced from thedisengagement sleeve 26.

With the pinion l1 meshing with ring gear 12, the starting motor M isstarted and the rotation of shaft 10 begins. The inertia or reactionforce of the vehicle engine opposes the rotation of the pinion [Iinitially. Consequently, with the pinion 11 and pinion carrier 13 in anonrotating condition, the rotation of shaft 10 causes the drive sleeve22 to be forced axially against the internal shoulder 25 on the pinioncarrier. When such axial force occurs, the pinion carrier 13 and pinion11 begin to rotate in unison with the shaft 10 driven by the startingmotor M, and the rotation of pinion 11 is imparted through ring gear 12to the vehicle engine.

After the vehicle engine has been started by the driver, by closing anignition switch (30 in FIG. 2), as described hereinafter, the enginewill reacha speed such that the ring gear 12 connected to the engineflywheel will begin to run faster than the speed imparted to the pinion11 by the starting motor M. Consequently, gear 12 will cause the pinion11 and pinion carrier 13 to begin to rotate faster than shaft 10 anddrive sleeve 22. Due to the screw-threaded engagement between the pinioncarrier 13 and the drive sleeve 22, the

place against the magnetic force exerted by the still-energized solenoid21 which is acting on the pinion carrier through the armature 20 andlinkage 19. The force exerted by the leftward-moving pinion carrier 13against the solenoid armature '20 will force the armature toward itsextended position, overcoming the magnetic force exerted by thesolenoid,-and opening a set of solenoid contacts to deenergize thestarting motor and a holding circuit for the solenoid, as explainedhereinafter with reference to FIG. 2.

The solenoid 21 is deenergized by the inertia-operated movement of thepinion carrier to the left in FIG. 1 before the pinion 11 is completelydisengaged from the ring gear 12. When the solenoid becomes deenergized,its return spring insures the completion of the movement of the solenoidarmature 20 to its fully extended position. Such movement of thearmature 20, acting through the linkage 19, causes the continuedmovement of the sleeve 15, pinion carrier 13 and pinion 11 to the leftin FIG. 1 until the pinion is completely disengaged from the ring gear12 and the sleeve 15 is thrust frictionally against the brake washer 29.This frictional restraint slows down the rotation of the sleeve 15,pinion carrier l3 and pinion 11 to a speed below that of shaft 10 anddrive sleeve 22. Consequently, at this time, because of thescrewthreaded engagement between the pinion carrier 13 and the drivesleeve 22, the drive sleeve will move tothe left along the pinioncarrier until it again engages the latters internal shoulder 25, atwhich time the drive sleeve 22 and shaft 10 are braked to a stop alongwith the sleeve 15, pinion carrier 13 and pinion l1.

Referring to FIG. 2, the electrical control circuit in thepresent-starting system includes a normally open ignition switch30connected in series with the vehicle load and engine ignition circuit 31across a direct current power source, such as the vehicle battery 32.

The starting motor M is connected in series with a set of normally opensolenoid contacts 33 across the power source 32. Contacts 33 are closedwhen the armature is pulled in by the solenoid 21, when the solenoid isenergized and at a time when the meshing engagement of the pinion 11with the ring gear 12 is assured.

The solenoid is connected in series with a normally open, push button,starting switch 34 and a set of normally closed contacts 35, 36 acrossthe power source 32.

A first coil 37 for opening the contacts 36, 35 is connected in serieswith a semiconductor rectifier 38 between the ignition switch and thesolenoid contacts 33. When energized, coil 37 moves the mobile contact36 away from the fixed contact 35 and into engagement with a fixedcontact 39 connected to the juncture 40 between coil 37 and the anode ofrectifier 38.

A second coil 41 is connected in parallel with the starting motor M andwhen energized it closes a set of normally open contacts 42, 43. Thefixed contact 43of this set is connected to the starting switch 34, andthe mobile contact 42 is conthe same time, as described with referenceto FIG. 1, the energization of solenoid 21 causes the pinion 11 to bemoved into meshing engagement with the ring gear 12.

Also, the closing of the solenoid contacts 33 completes the energizationcircuit for coil 41, which closes its contacts 42, 43 to provide aholding circuit for maintaining solenoid 21 energized independent ofcontacts 35 and 36. However, it is to be understood that the continuedenergization of the solenoid depends upon the drivers holding thestarting switch 34 closed.

Now, when the vehicle driver closes the ignition switch 30 to start thevehicle engine, the coil 37 is energized through the ignition switch,rectifier 38 and the now-closed solenoid contacts 33. Coil 37, when thusenergized, opens its contacts 36, 35 and closes its contacts 36, 39 tocomplete a holding circuit for itself which is independent of thesolenoid contacts 33.

After the vehicle engine has reached a certain speed, as described, tocause the pinion carrier 13 to force the solenoid armature 20 toward itsextended position (against the magnetic force exerted on it by thestill-energized solenoid 21), the opening of the solenoid contacts .33breaks the energization circuit for the starting motor M and coil 41.When coil 41 is deenergized, its contacts 42, 43 reopen, breaking theholding circuit for solenoid 21,.so that solenoid 21 now is deenergizedand cannot be reenergized while coil 37 remains energized,which'condition prevails as long as the ignition switch 30 for thevehicle engine remains closed. Consequently, the driver cannot restartthe starting motor M as long as the vehicle engine remains running.

From the foregoing description it will be evident that the disclosedembodiment of the present engine starting system providessolenoid-operated positive engagement of the starting motor-drivenpinion with the ring gear connected to the engine, inertia-operateddisengagement of the pinions from the ring gear once the engine beginsto overrun the starting motor, and a novel control arrangement whichinsures that once the pinion is disengaged it cannot be reengaged aslong as the engine ignition switch remains closed.

While a presently preferred embodiment of this starting system has beendescribed in detail with reference to the accompanying drawing, it is tobe understood that various modifications, omissions and adaptationswhich depart from the disclosed embodiment may be adopted withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention.

Having described my invention, 1 claim:

1. In a starting system for performing an operation to star an engine, adrive gear engageable with an engine gear on the engine to crank thelatter for starting, a cranking motor for driving the drive gear, aswitch means for controlling the engine comprising a switch to effectengagement of the drive gear with the engine gear and a cranking of theengine, said starting system further comprising first means responsiveto the change in driving relationship between the drive and engine gearsfor disengaging the drive gear from the engine gear on the starting ofthe engine and second means for rendering the continued actuation ofsaid switch after the engine starts ineffective to effect a reengagementof the drive gear with the engine gear upon any subsequent interruptionof operation of the engine.

2. In a starting system for an engine as defined in claim 1 wherein saidsecond means comprises an-initial energization path for the switch meanswhich is made to start the cranking and which is opened after thecranking starts and a second energization path for the switch meanswhich is opened on the starting of the engine.

3. In a system for starting an engine as defined in claim 2 wherein saidlockout means opens said first circuit path on the cranking of theengine and a second circuit path for effecting energization of thecranking motor is closed during the cranking of the engine and saidsecond means includes means for opening said second circuit path onstarting. a

4. In a cranking apparatus as defined in claim 3 wherein said secondmeans includes means responsive to the disengagement of said drive gearfrom the engine gear to open said second path.

5. In a cranking apparatus for performing an operation to start anengine having an engine gear thereon wherein said cranking apparatuscomprises a cranking motor, a drive gear driven by the cranking motorand engageable with said engine gear to drive the same and disengageableat the termination of the starting operation switch means forcontrolling the engine comprising a switch actuated to the closedposition to effect the starting operation, first means comprising afirst circuit path for effecting the engagement of the drive gear withthe engine gear and a cranking of the engine on the closing of saidswitch and second means operated to disengage the drive gear from theengine gear on the starting of the engine and lockout means actuatedduring the starting of the engine to lockout said first circuit pathbefore the engine starts and prevent reengagement of said drive andengine gears by'continued actuation of said switch after the starting ofthe engine compris ing electrical means actuated in response to thestarting operatron.

6. in a system for starting an engine as defined in claim 5 wherein saidlockout means opens said first circuit path on the cranking of theengine and a second circuit path for effecting energization of thecranking motor is closed during the cranking of the engine and saidsecond means includes means for opening said second circuit path onstarting.

7. In a system as defined in claim 6 wherein said lockout meanscomprises means actuated during the starting of the engine to lockoutsaid first circuit path before the engine starts.

8. In a starting system for performing an operation to start an engine,a drive gear engageable with an engine gear on the engine, to crank thelatter, switch means for controlling the engine comprising a switchactuated to effect engagement of the drive gear with the engine gear anda cranking of the engine, said starting system further comprising firstmeans for disengaging the drive gear from the engine gear on thestarting of the engine and second means actuated during cranking andelectrically energized while the engine continues to run for renderingrepeated operation of said switch after the engine starts ineffective toreengage said drive gear with said engine gear while said enginecontinues to run, said second means including an initial energizationpath for the switch means which is made to start cranking and openedafter cranking starts and a second energization path for the switchmeans which is opened on the starting of the engine.

9. In a cranking apparatus for performing an operation to start anengine having an engine gear thereon wherein said apparatus comprises acranking motor, a drive gear driven by the cranking motor and engageablewith said engine gear to drive the same and disengageable at thetermination of the starting operation, switch means for controlling theengine comprising a switch actuated to the closed position to effect thestarting operation, first means comprising a first circuit path foreffecting the engagement of the drive gear with the engine gear and acranking of the engine on the closing of said switch and second meansoperated independently of the actuation of said switch to disengage thedrive gear from the engine gear on the starting of said engine, lockoutmeans for preventing reengagement of said drive gear with the enginegear by continued actuation of said switch after the starting of theengine comprising electrical means actuated in response to the startingoperation, said lockout means including means actuated during thestarting of the engine to lockout said first circuit path before theengine starts.

10. A starting system according to claim 9, wherein said electricallyoperated means comprises a solenoid having a movable armatureoperatively coupled to said pinion to move the pinion into engagementwith said gear in response to the energization of the solenoid, and saidmeans for preventing the reengaging of the pinion with said gearcomprises: a set of normally closed contacts connected to said solenoidto control its energization, and a first coil connected to the runswitch to be energized when the run switch isclosed, said first coilbeing operable when energized to open said normally closed contacts, aset of normally open contacts connected to said solenoid to control itsenergization, and a second coil operative when energized to close saidnormally open contacts to complete an energization circuit for thesolenoid, said second coil being connected across said starting motor tobe energized when the starting motor is energized and to be dcenergizedwhen the starting motor is deenergized.

11. A control circuit for an engine starting system having a powersource, said control circuit comprising: a starting motor; a solenoidhaving a movable armature; a starting switch connected to the solenoidto complete an initial energization circuit for the solenoid from thepower source when the starting switch is closed; a set of contactsconnected to said starting motor and actuatable in response to theenergization of the solenoid to complete an energization circuit for thestarting motor from the power source; an engine run switch; meansconnected to said contacts for completing a holding circuit for saidsolenoid when said contacts are closed and for opening said holdingcircuit in response to opening of the run switch while said contacts areopen; and means for opening said initial energization circuit for thesolenoid to leave the continued energization of the solenoid dependenton said holding circuit, said last-mentioned means being operativefollowing the opening of said contacts to prevent a repeat energizationof said solenoid and said starting motor by a repeat closing of saidstarting switch as long as said run switch remains closed.

12. A control circuit according to claim 1 1, wherein said initialenergization circuit for the solenoid includes a set of normally closedcontacts, and said means for opening said initial energization circuitcomprises a coil connected to said run switch for energization from thepower source through the run switch when the latter is closed, said coilmeans for opening said initial energization circuit comprises a coilconnected to said run switch for energization from the power sourcethrough the run switch when the later is closed, said coil beingoperative when energized to open said normally closed contacts in saidinitial energization circuit for the solenoid.

13. In starting system for an engine including a drive pinion formeshing with and driving gear on the engine to start the latter, asolenoid for shifting the pinion into mesh with the gear, a startingmotor for driving said pinion, said pinion being moved out of mesh withsaid gear upon the starting of the engine, first contacts actuated onthe shifting of said pinion to engage said gear to energize said motorand opened when said pinion moves out of mesh with said gear, a runswitch which is closed on starting and maintained closed during running,a first circuit for energizing said solenoid including a start switch, asecond circuit for energizing said solenoid made through said startswitch in response to the closing of said first contacts and opened inresponse to a condition indicating the starting of said vehicle, lockout circuit means made after the energization of said solenoid and theclosing of said first contacts for opening said first circuit to preventenergization thereof by said start switch, said run switch being in thecircuit with the lockout circuit means to maintain the lockout circuitmeans after the lock out circuit means opens said first circuit.

14. ln a starting system as defined in claim 13 wherein said lockoutcircuit means is energized in response to the closing of said firstcontacts.

15. ln a starting system as defined in claim 13 wherein holdingelectrical relay means is energized on the closing of said firstcontacts to make said second circuit for energizing said solenoid.

16. In a starting system as defined in claim 15 wherein said holdingelectrical relay means has said first contacts connected in seriestherewith and is energized through said first contacts.

17 In a starting system as defined in claim 13 wherein said lockoutcircuit means comprises lockout relay means, said lockout relay meanshaving relay contacts in said first circuit which are opened in responseto the energization of said lockout relay means, and said lockout relaymeans is energized through said first contact upon the closing thereof.

18. In a starting system as defined in claim 17 wherein said lockoutrelay means is energized through said run switch.

19. In a starting system as defined in claim wherein said lockoutcircuit means comprises lockout relay means, said lockout relay meanshaving relay contacts in said first circuit which are opened in responseto the energization of said lockout relay means and said holding relaymeans and said lockout relay means are energized through said firstcontacts.

. In a starting system as defined in claim 15 wherein said "crankingmotor for starting a vehicle engine while the vehicle engine is running;comprising a first circuit path for effecting the initial energizationof the cranking motor, a normally open second circuit path for effectingenergization of the cranking motor which is closed on the starting ofthe cranking motor and opened in response to starting of the engine, andmeans for opening the first circuit path after the second circuit pathis closed and for maintaining the first circuit path open until theengine is stopped, said second circuit path being opened by inertiaoperated means which deenergizes the cranking motor in response tostarting of the engine and which maintains the cranking motordcenergized while the engine is running.

22. A circuit as in claim 21 including a run switch wherein said runswitch is closed before said first circuit path is opened.

23. In a cranking apparatus as set forth in claim 22 wherein said secondmeans further includes means which is operated in response to a changein the driving relationship between said drive gear and engine gear toeffect disengagement of said drive gear from the engine gear.

24. An engine starting system comprising a starting motor, a pinionshiftable into engagement with or disengagement from a gear. coupled tothe engine, drive means for coupling said starting motor to the pinionto impart rotation from one to the other, electrically operated meansfor shifting the pinion into engagementwith said gear comprising a startswitch, means for disengaging the pinion from said gear on the startingof the engine and means operated in response to the'disengagement of thepinion for rendering'the' continued actuation of said start switch afterthe engine starts ineffective to effect a reengagement of the pinionwith the gear coupled to the engine upon any subsequent interruption ofoperation of the engine.

25. An engine starting system comprising a starting motor, a pinionshiftable into engagement with or disengagement from a gear coupled tothe engine, drive means for coupling said starting motor to the pinionto impart rotation from one to the other, electrically operated meansfor shifting the pinion into engagement with said gear comprising astart switch, means for disengaging the pinion from said gear on thestarting of the engine, said means for disengaging the pinion comprisinginertia-operated means in said drive means operable to deenergize thestarting motor after the engine begins to overrun the starting motor andfurther comprising an engine run switch closed to run the engine, andmeans operated in response to the disengagement of the pinion forpreventing said electrically operated means from reengaging the pinionwith said gear while said run switch remains closed. 26. In a crankingapparatus for performing an operation to start an engine having anengine gear thereon wherein said cranking apparatus comprises a crankingmotor, a drive gear driven by the cranking motor and engageable withsaid engine gear to drive the same and disengageable at the terminationof the starting operation, switch means for controlling the enginecomprising a switch actuated to the closed position to effect thestarting operation, first means comprising a first circuit path foreffecting the engagement of the drive, gear with the engine gear and acranking of the engine on the closing of said switch, and second meansoperated in response to starting of the engine to disengage the drivegear from the engine gear, said second means including lockout meansactuated during the starting operation to lockout said first circuitpath to render continued actuation of said switch after the enginestarts ineffective to effect a reengagement of the drive gear with theengine gear upon any subsequent interruption of operation of the engine.

1. In a starting system for performing an operation to star an engine, adrive gear engageable with an engine gear on the engine to crank thelatter for starting, a cranking motor for driving the drive gear, aswitch means for controlling the engine comprising a switch to effectengagement of the drive gear with the engine gear and a cranking of theengine, said starting system further comprising first means responsiveto the change in driving relationship between the drive and engine gearsfor disengaging the drive gear from the engine gear on the starting ofthe engine and second means for rendering the continued actuation ofsaid switch after the engine starts ineffective to effect a reengagementof the drive gear with the engine gear upon any subsequent interruptionof operation of the engine.
 2. In a starting system for an engine asdefined in claim 1 wherein said second means comprises an initialenergization path for the switch means which is made to start thecranking and which is opened after the cranking starts and a secondenergization path for the switch means which is opened on the startingof the engine.
 3. In a system for starting an engine as defined in claim2 wherein said lockout means opens said first circuit path on thecranking of the engine and a second circuit path for effectingenergization of the cranking motor is closed during the cranking of theengine and said second means includes means for opening said secondcircuit path on starting.
 4. In a cranking apparatus as defined in claim3 wherein said second means includes means responsive to thedisengagement of said drive gear from the engine gear to open saidsecond path.
 5. In a cranking apparatus for performing an operation tostart an engine having an engine gear thereon wherein said crankingapparatus comprises a cranking motor, a drive gear driven by thecranking motor and engageable with said engine gear to drive the sameand disengageable at the termination of the starting operation switchmeans for controlling the engine comprising a switch actuated to theclosed position to effect the starting operation, first means comprisinga first circuit path for effecting the engagement of the drive gear withthe engine gear and a cranking of the engine on the closing of saidswitch and second means operated to disengage the drive gear from theengine gear on the starting of the engine and lockout means actuatedduring the starting of the engine to lockout said first circuit pathbefore the engine starts and prevent reengagement of said drive andengine gears by continued actuation of said switch after the starting ofthe engine comprising electrical means actuated in response to thestarting operation.
 6. In a system for starting an engine as defined inclaim 5 wherein said lockout means opens said first circuit path on thecranking of the engine and a second circuit path for effectingenergization of the cranking motor is closed during the cranking of theengine and said second means includes means for opening said secondcircuit path on starting.
 7. In a system as defined in claim 6 whereinsaid lockout means comprises means actuated during the starting of theengine to lockout said first circuit path before the engine starts. 8.In a starting system for performing an operation to start an engine, adrive gear engageable with an engine gear on the engine, to crank thelatter, switch means for controlling the engine comprising a switchactuated to effect engagement of the drive gear with the engine gear anda cranking of the engine, said starting system further comprising firstmeans for disengaging the drive gear from the engine gear on thestarting of the engine and second means actuated during cRanking andelectrically energized while the engine continues to run for renderingrepeated operation of said switch after the engine starts ineffective toreengage said drive gear with said engine gear while said enginecontinues to run, said second means including an initial energizationpath for the switch means which is made to start cranking and openedafter cranking starts and a second energization path for the switchmeans which is opened on the starting of the engine.
 9. In a crankingapparatus for performing an operation to start an engine having anengine gear thereon wherein said apparatus comprises a cranking motor, adrive gear driven by the cranking motor and engageable with said enginegear to drive the same and disengageable at the termination of thestarting operation, switch means for controlling the engine comprising aswitch actuated to the closed position to effect the starting operation,first means comprising a first circuit path for effecting the engagementof the drive gear with the engine gear and a cranking of the engine onthe closing of said switch and second means operated independently ofthe actuation of said switch to disengage the drive gear from the enginegear on the starting of said engine, lockout means for preventingreengagement of said drive gear with the engine gear by continuedactuation of said switch after the starting of the engine comprisingelectrical means actuated in response to the starting operation, saidlockout means including means actuated during the starting of the engineto lockout said first circuit path before the engine starts.
 10. Astarting system according to claim 9, wherein said electrically operatedmeans comprises a solenoid having a movable armature operatively coupledto said pinion to move the pinion into engagement with said gear inresponse to the energization of the solenoid, and said means forpreventing the reengaging of the pinion with said gear comprises: a setof normally closed contacts connected to said solenoid to control itsenergization, and a first coil connected to the run switch to beenergized when the run switch is closed, said first coil being operablewhen energized to open said normally closed contacts, a set of normallyopen contacts connected to said solenoid to control its energization,and a second coil operative when energized to close said normally opencontacts to complete an energization circuit for the solenoid, saidsecond coil being connected across said starting motor to be energizedwhen the starting motor is energized and to be deenergized when thestarting motor is deenergized.
 11. A control circuit for an enginestarting system having a power source, said control circuit comprising:a starting motor; a solenoid having a movable armature; a startingswitch connected to the solenoid to complete an initial energizationcircuit for the solenoid from the power source when the starting switchis closed; a set of contacts connected to said starting motor andactuatable in response to the energization of the solenoid to completean energization circuit for the starting motor from the power source; anengine run switch; means connected to said contacts for completing aholding circuit for said solenoid when said contacts are closed and foropening said holding circuit in response to opening of the run switchwhile said contacts are open; and means for opening said initialenergization circuit for the solenoid to leave the continuedenergization of the solenoid dependent on said holding circuit, saidlast-mentioned means being operative following the opening of saidcontacts to prevent a repeat energization of said solenoid and saidstarting motor by a repeat closing of said starting switch as long assaid run switch remains closed.
 12. A control circuit according to claim11, wherein said initial energization circuit for the solenoid includesa set of normally closed contacts, and said means for opening saidinitial energization circuit comprises a coil conneCted to said runswitch for energization from the power source through the run switchwhen the latter is closed, said coil means for opening said initialenergization circuit comprises a coil connected to said run switch forenergization from the power source through the run switch when the lateris closed, said coil being operative when energized to open saidnormally closed contacts in said initial energization circuit for thesolenoid.
 13. In starting system for an engine including a drive pinionfor meshing with and driving gear on the engine to start the latter, asolenoid for shifting the pinion into mesh with the gear, a startingmotor for driving said pinion, said pinion being moved out of mesh withsaid gear upon the starting of the engine, first contacts actuated onthe shifting of said pinion to engage said gear to energize said motorand opened when said pinion moves out of mesh with said gear, a runswitch which is closed on starting and maintained closed during running,a first circuit for energizing said solenoid including a start switch, asecond circuit for energizing said solenoid made through said startswitch in response to the closing of said first contacts and opened inresponse to a condition indicating the starting of said vehicle, lockout circuit means made after the energization of said solenoid and theclosing of said first contacts for opening said first circuit to preventenergization thereof by said start switch, said run switch being in thecircuit with the lockout circuit means to maintain the lockout circuitmeans after the lock out circuit means opens said first circuit.
 14. Ina starting system as defined in claim 13 wherein said lockout circuitmeans is energized in response to the closing of said first contacts.15. In a starting system as defined in claim 13 wherein holdingelectrical relay means is energized on the closing of said firstcontacts to make said second circuit for energizing said solenoid. 16.In a starting system as defined in claim 15 wherein said holdingelectrical relay means has said first contacts connected in seriestherewith and is energized through said first contacts. 17 In a startingsystem as defined in claim 13 wherein said lockout circuit meanscomprises lockout relay means, said lockout relay means having relaycontacts in said first circuit which are opened in response to theenergization of said lockout relay means, and said lockout relay meansis energized through said first contact upon the closing thereof.
 18. Ina starting system as defined in claim 17 wherein said lockout relaymeans is energized through said run switch.
 19. In a starting system asdefined in claim 15 wherein said lockout circuit means comprises lockoutrelay means, said lockout relay means having relay contacts in saidfirst circuit which are opened in response to the energization of saidlockout relay means and said holding relay means and said lockout relaymeans are energized through said first contacts.
 20. In a startingsystem as defined in claim 15 wherein said lockout circuit meanscomprises lockout relay means, said lockout relay means having contactsin said first circuit which are opened in response to the energizationof said lockout relay means and said lockout relay means is energizedthrough said run switch to maintain the lockout relay means energizedafter the opening of said first circuit.
 21. A lockout circuit forpreventing the reenergization of a cranking motor for starting a vehicleengine while the vehicle engine is running; comprising a first circuitpath for effecting the initial energization of the cranking motor, anormally open second circuit path for effecting energization of thecranking motor which is closed on the starting of the cranking motor andopened in response to starting of the engine, and means for opening thefirst circuit path after the second circuit path is closed and formaintaining the first circuit path open until the engine is stopped,said second circuit path being opened by inertia operated means whichdeenergizes the cranking motor in response to starting of the engine andwhich maintains the cranking motor deenergized while the engine isrunning.
 22. A circuit as in claim 21 including a run switch whereinsaid run switch is closed before said first circuit path is opened. 23.In a cranking apparatus as set forth in claim 22 wherein said secondmeans further includes means which is operated in response to a changein the driving relationship between said drive gear and engine gear toeffect disengagement of said drive gear from the engine gear.
 24. Anengine starting system comprising a starting motor, a pinion shiftableinto engagement with or disengagement from a gear coupled to the engine,drive means for coupling said starting motor to the pinion to impartrotation from one to the other, electrically operated means for shiftingthe pinion into engagement with said gear comprising a start switch,means for disengaging the pinion from said gear on the starting of theengine and means operated in response to the disengagement of the pinionfor rendering the continued actuation of said start switch after theengine starts ineffective to effect a reengagement of the pinion withthe gear coupled to the engine upon any subsequent interruption ofoperation of the engine.
 25. An engine starting system comprising astarting motor, a pinion shiftable into engagement with or disengagementfrom a gear coupled to the engine, drive means for coupling saidstarting motor to the pinion to impart rotation from one to the other,electrically operated means for shifting the pinion into engagement withsaid gear comprising a start switch, means for disengaging the pinionfrom said gear on the starting of the engine, said means for disengagingthe pinion comprising inertia-operated means in said drive meansoperable to deenergize the starting motor after the engine begins tooverrun the starting motor and further comprising an engine run switchclosed to run the engine, and means operated in response to thedisengagement of the pinion for preventing said electrically operatedmeans from reengaging the pinion with said gear while said run switchremains closed.
 26. In a cranking apparatus for performing an operationto start an engine having an engine gear thereon wherein said crankingapparatus comprises a cranking motor, a drive gear driven by thecranking motor and engageable with said engine gear to drive the sameand disengageable at the termination of the starting operation, switchmeans for controlling the engine comprising a switch actuated to theclosed position to effect the starting operation, first means comprisinga first circuit path for effecting the engagement of the drive gear withthe engine gear and a cranking of the engine on the closing of saidswitch, and second means operated in response to starting of the engineto disengage the drive gear from the engine gear, said second meansincluding lockout means actuated during the starting operation tolockout said first circuit path to render continued actuation of saidswitch after the engine starts ineffective to effect a reengagement ofthe drive gear with the engine gear upon any subsequent interruption ofoperation of the engine.